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POPULAR and STANDARDS CD UPDATE

NEW AND NOTABLE
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"Lara Fabian"
cover Lara Fabian
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Already a French-language superstar, Lara Fabian has made a Mariah/Celine-style splash with her self-titled English- language debut. Filled with ballads both vulnerable and tough, and featuring the single "I Will Love Again," this work announces the arrival of a potential new pop titan.

"Sooner or Later"
BBMak
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This British trio sidesteps the current fever for dance-pop, instead going for airy harmonies and acoustic guitar-based backing. Their debut album features the hit single "Back Here." And "Sooner or Later" is sure to spawn more radio favorites over the next months.

"Kina"
Kina
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Add Kina to the list of young female solo artists, including Macy Gray and Angie Stone, who are giving R&B--and pop--a modern makeover with their assertive yet emotive sound. Kina's self-titled debut gravitates toward the pop dial, with vocals that occasionally take cues from Roberta Flack and melodies that saddle up to Des'ree's radio-friendly groove.

"Highway: 30 Years of America"
America
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Rhino Records gives this '70s folk-rock powerhouse the definitive treatment with this three-CD set that collects smashes such as "A Horse with No Name" and "Sister Golden Hair," along with album tracks and rare recordings from the act's entire career. One of Beatles producer George Martin's most significant clients after the Fab Four's breakup, America remains a favorite of many soft-rock-inclined listeners.

EDITOR'S CHOICE
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"Graceland"
Paul Simon
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The revival of interest in Paul Simon's 1986 "Graceland" has us listening again, too. Simon's marriage of South African musical elements with zydeco and country strains and his introspective (sometimes even funny) lyrics made for an album that still sounds fresh.

ARISTA'S 25TH ANNIVERSARY
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"The Bedroom Tapes"
Carly Simon
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Carly Simon, one of the most emblematic songwriters of the 1970s, returns with her first set of original songs since 1994. "The Bedroom Tapes" finds her examining social phenomena at the turn of a new century and continuing to investigate the mysteries of the heart.

Also, check out more great Arista Records hits at More here!

10 UNDER $10
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We've added new titles to Amazon.com's Classic and Contemporary Pop 10 Under $10 lists. It's a great way to add classics such as Elton John's "Greatest Hits Volume 2," Cher's "Millennium Collection," Etta James's "At Last!" and Herb Alpert's "Greatest Hits" to your collection.

10 Under $10: Classic Pop
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10 Under $10: Contemporary Pop
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Visit our new Bargain Music store at
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"Vavoom!"
Brian Setzer
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After reviving his career with 1998's "Dirty Boogie" and its accidentally well-timed cover of Louis Prima's "Jump, Jive an' Wail," the guitar swinger returns with "Vavoom!" on August 1. This time out, the CD is highlighted by a brassy version of "Mack the Knife."

"So Real"
Mandy Moore
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Teen sensation Mandy Moore's first album nods to most of the great developments in post-Madonna dance-pop. Highlighted by the single "Candy" and the Janet Jackson-style ballad "Walk Me Home," the CD is one of the most consistent of the current girl-singer boom.

"Sweet Kisses"
Jessica Simpson
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Jessica Simpson's debut works a poppier side of the street than Britney or Mandy; her stock-in-trade is big ballads on the order of her smash "I Wanna Love You Forever." The state-of-the-art production of "Sweet Kisses" also supports collaborations with 98 Degrees' Nick Lachey and Destiny's Child.

"The Definitive Collection"
The Partridge Family, David Cassidy
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While David Cassidy's year-2000 media profile isn't exactly as high as it was 30 years ago, the revival in interest has led to this new CD drawn from his years as Keith Partridge. This great old-school AM pop includes "I Think I Love You" and "I Woke Up in Love This Morning."

"Europop"
Eiffel 65
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This Italian disco outfit has achieved runaway U.S. success with their single "Blue (Da Ba Dee)," which heads up this album debut. Included are a dozen more dance-floor movers and an extended mix of the hit.

"Now That's What I Call Music, Vol. 3"
Various artists
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The third U.S. volume of this popular series offers 18 tunes that conjure up the spirit of the late summer of '99. Radio faves ranging from Backstreet Boys, Enrique Iglesias, and 98 Degrees to Lenny Kravitz, Blink 182, and K-Ci & Jojo rub shoulders at a great Top 40 party.

"Sammy & Friends"
Sammy Davis Jr. et al.
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Less a comprehensive career overview than a Sammy fiend's swingin' mix CD, this set offers tunes from the beloved film "Ocean's 11," killer versions of "Birth of the Blues" and "Too Close for Comfort," and duets with Frank and Dino. Aces.

GRAMMY NOMINATIONS: RICKY MARTIN, SANTANA, TONY BENNETT, AND MORE

This year's Grammy Awards nominations range from revitalized vet Carlos Santana to young guns Ricky Martin, the Backstreet Boys, and TLC.
Were your favorites chosen or dissed? Weigh in on the nominations on Amazon.com's Grammy Awards Discussion Board.
Also check out Amazon.com editors' favorite past winners of the Grammy Album of the Year award, including discs by Paul Simon, Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Wonder, and Carole King. More here!

EDITOR'S CHOICE: BRIAN MCKNIGHT

Contemporary soul singer-songwriter Brian McKnight's title track for "Back to One" has provided the music world with something of an instant standard. While still riding high on the pop and R&B charts, the tune has also garnered a cover version by country artist Mark Wills. We're predicting it won't be the last. Read more about McKnight's excellent album at More here!

ESSENTIALS BY ARTIST: ABBA AND OTHERS

One of the biggest post-Beatles pop phenomenons, Abba has maintained worldwide popularity long past their early-'80s breakup. The Swedish quartet's heady melodies and clever arrangements keep the music fresh, belying any question of nostalgia or camp. Check out our list of their essential recordings at More here!
And see our Essentials lists for these favorites:

Cher
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Nat "King" Cole
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Phil Collins
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Rosemary Clooney "Songs From The Girl Singer-A M"
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Skinner/Ripley "Unsuspecting Hearts"
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Bennett/Evans "Together Again"
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Edith Piaf "Legends Of The 20th Century"
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Dean Martin "Late At Night With Dean Martin"
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Petula Clark "Downtown-Greatest Hits Of Petula"
See the old favorites here!

Sam Harris "Revival"
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Michael Feinstein "Big City Rhythms"
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Linda Eder "It's No Secret Anymore"
See the old favorites here!

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